The German Federal Police executed two deportations to Syria and Afghanistan on Wednesday, a move signaling a hardening of the government’s stance on criminalized asylum seekers. According to sources within the Federal Ministry of the Interior, one individual was flown from Munich and another from Frankfurt, both accompanied by specialized security personnel during the journeys.
The deportations target individuals convicted of serious violent crimes and sexual offenses, a point emphasized by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), who framed the actions as demonstrating “consequence and clarity” towards offenders. Dobrindt declared an intention to “regularize” deportations to both Syria and Afghanistan, asserting that those committing serious crimes must leave Germany.
However, the legality of repatriating individuals to these conflict-ridden nations remains highly contentious. A recent assessment by the Bundestag’s scientific service, released in March 2024, concluded that the “desolate security situation and the precarious humanitarian conditions” prevailing in Syria and Afghanistan frequently render deportations incompatible with Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the prohibition of torture. This assessment aligns with the established jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights concerning cases involving Syria.
Critics argue that irrespective of criminal records, returning individuals to these volatile regions risks exposing them to severe human rights violations and potentially life-threatening situations. While the government asserts a commitment to upholding legal standards, the Bundestag report raises serious questions about the practicality and ethical justification of these deportations, particularly given the potential for refoulement – the forced return of individuals to countries where they face persecution. The move is expected to reignite debate about the balance between national security concerns, criminal justice and international human rights obligations within Germany.